While Bill Hamid was typically stellar in 2015, Ousted was arguably even more impressive than his D.C. United counterpart, helping anchor the joint-stingiest defence in MLS with his shot-stopping heroics.

An ever-present between the posts, the Dane tied for the league lead with 13 clean sheets in 34 appearances, while conceding just 36 goals and stopping four of the six penalties he faced to help Carl Robinson’s men clinch a second-place finish in the Western Conference.

The former Derby County and Burnley defender was not at his best in the playoffs but he was fantastic throughout the regular season, proving a clear defensive upgrade over predecessor DeAndre Yedlin.

After an injury-hit spell at Bolton Wanderers, he also managed to stay healthy for the full campaign, while scoring his first goal since 2011 and adding three assists in 33 games.

CB – Kendall Waston (Vancouver Whitecaps)

Along with Ousted, the towering Costa Rican was another big reason for Vancouver’s success in 2015, as he led all defenders with 119 aerial duels won and finished joint-third with 195 clearances, while also chipping in with two goals.

Hedges’ physicality, awareness and ability to play out from the back were all key to Dallas topping the West in 2015, as he recorded the second-most interceptions in the league with 144 and completed 84.3 per cent of his passes.

The 23-year-old Jamaican may have missed a chunk of games while away at both the Copa America and CONCACAF Gold Cup, but he proved an outstanding offseason signing when in the line-up for the Supporters’ Shield winners.

As well as logging four game-winning assists, the promising speedster won 63 aerial duels, despite standing at just 5ft 10in, and won 86.8 per cent of his 68 tackles.

10 goals and 15 assists were not enough to earn an international recall, but the 41-times capped American did manage to land a spot on the three-man MVP shortlist for his efforts.

LM – Fabian Castillo (FC Dallas)

Voted the top prospect in MLS on the league’s annual “24 Under 24” list, the Colombian wide man recorded nine goals and nine assist in 30 appearances, as he broke into the senior national team and made his first All-Star Game appearance.

In addition, the 23-year-old also attempted 221 dribbles – 68 more than any other player in the league.

The former Middlesbrough man’s first season back in MLS saw him equal Giovinco’s 22-goal mark but miss out on the Golden Boot award on account of having just eight assists compared to the ex-Juventus star’s 16.

Freddie Shires

Freddie is a freelance sports writer, having recently completed an MA in Sports Journalism at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham. With an especially keen interest in all things American sports-related, he has written extensively about the NFL, MLS and the U.S. national team for various sites.